Cheap/Free things to do in Melbourne CBD

subywagon on 10/12/2013 - 22:14

I'll be spending one and half days in Melbourne CBD this Thursday and am looking for cheap/free things to do with my wife and 5 year old daughter.

I really don't know the city and so far we have only really planned to check out the Queen Victoria markets using the free circle Tram. Other than that we were just going to wander aimlessly around the CBD and along the river…but hopefully you guys may have some good suggestions for a fellow ozbargainer.

Also some good suggestions on where to eat for dinner and lunch that is good value and good food would be great too.

Our interests are wide and varied, both in food and culture so if anything comes to mind feel free to share!

Thanks guys :)

Travel

Comments

  • spritz on 10/12/2013 - 22:46
    +1

    Free walking tour:
    http://www.imfree.com.au/melbourne/

    ACMI museum is free and pretty interesting to spend an hour or two looking through.
    http://www.acmi.net.au/

  • vandm22 on 11/12/2013 - 06:45

    There is also a city bus ($5 all day per person, children free) which goes out a bit further than the tram eg. it stops right outside of Queen Victoria markets, Botanic Gardens, etc - look up Melbourne Visitor Shuttle. There are also some short cruises which aren't too dear. Melbourne has some great parks with great playgrounds for your daughter and there is great shopping for your wife both of which are near the free tram or bus lines. When you get to Melbourne, go to the Federation Square information place where they have brochures etc.

  • buzymum20 on 11/12/2013 - 07:14

    Also a free tour of the town hall. I have friends who did this and recommended it to us, but haven't tried it as yet. Here's the website http://thatsmelbourne.com.au/whatson/tours/ground/Pages/b974…

  • tigergal on 12/12/2013 - 14:01

    We recently did the tourist thing in Melbourne a few weeks ago.

    My kids enjoyed the Circle Tram
    Lygon Street for a meal is great - the circle tram stop is walking distance from it.
    China Town on little Bourke Street in the city is also great for a meal
    At the back of Fed Square is Art Play http://www.fedsquare.com/culture/art-play-city-of-melbourne/
    Crown/Southbank for a meal and see the fountains/river.

  • subywagon on 14/12/2013 - 14:04

    Thanks for the advice and suggestions guys. We had a great time even though I came down with the flu the night before my flight!

    Over the two days we did a lot of sight seeing. We went to the Victoria Markets, rode the free circle Tram, we went to Fitzroy gardens, then to Federation Square and ACMI. We strolled down the river. We also checked out China Town, ate some $5 boxes of Chinese Takeaway as the store was closing (tastes better after sitting in it the marinade all arvo I think anyways:P )

    Thanks again, we will be trying the other suggestions next time we drop in! It's a beautiful city :)

  • Pungentia on 14/12/2013 - 17:26

    Try the Botancial Gardens kids garden area - cool little stream that runs through the kids garden that is designed for kids to play and splash in.. bring a picnic and a towel.. even better, buy a picnic at the Vic Market, then catch the tram down to the Botanical Gardens :)

    Also, it will be insanely busy, but Myer Christmas windows may be worth a look?

    Do you have zoo membership in your home state? Check for reciprocal membership in Melbourne! We have reciprocal Melbourne Zoo/Taroonga zoo and saved a packet when we went to Sydney last year. It's an easy trip from the city on the train.

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